Registered Psychologists and Registered Provisional Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Certified Canadian Counsellors certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and Registered Social Workers regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), In-person in Edmonton and St. Albert, Virtual across Alberta.

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When You Are Not Sure Whether Your Teen Needs Support

You may be wondering whether what your teenager is going through is just a phase or something that calls for outside support. Maybe you have noticed changes you cannot quite explain, and you are not sure whether they are serious enough to bring to a professional. Or perhaps your teen has asked for help, and you are trying to figure out what that help should look like.

Adolescents themselves often carry their own version of this uncertainty. They may be dealing with a tightness in the chest that shows up before school each morning, a sense of pulling away from friends without understanding why, or a low mood that lingers even when nothing obviously wrong has happened. These experiences can feel confusing, isolating, and hard to put into words.

These responses are not signs that something is permanently broken. They often reflect the ways a young person's mind and body are reacting to pressures, transitions, or experiences that have outpaced their current coping resources. Many adolescents move through periods like these. For some, having a structured space to talk through what is happening can make a meaningful difference.

If you are considering whether counselling might help, this page may be a useful starting point. It explains what adolescent mental health counselling involves at Wholesome Psychology, what the research says, and how to get started.

Who This Service May Be a Good Fit For

Adolescent mental health counselling at Wholesome Psychology may be a good fit for:

• Teens experiencing stress, worry, low mood, or emotional ups and downs that are affecting daily life
• Adolescents dealing with school pressure, academic strain, or difficulties with motivation
• Young people navigating friendship conflicts, peer pressure, or social withdrawal
• Teens working through family tension, communication challenges, or changes at home
• Adolescents experiencing self-esteem or confidence concerns
• Young people going through life transitions such as moving schools, parental separation, or identity exploration
• Parents or caregivers who are looking for support options on behalf of their teen

This service may not be the right fit for:

• Adolescents in immediate crisis or at risk of harm to themselves or others (see crisis resources below)
• Situations requiring forensic, legal, or court-ordered assessment (contact the clinic to discuss referral options)
• Young people requiring inpatient or intensive psychiatric care

Crisis Resources

If an adolescent is in immediate danger, unable to stay safe, or needs urgent help, please contact one of the following resources:

• 911 for immediate danger or emergency
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

What Adolescent Mental Health Counselling Is

Adolescent mental health counselling is a collaborative process in which a trained therapist works with a young person to explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns that may be affecting their well-being. Sessions provide a private, structured space for the adolescent to talk about what is happening in their life at their own pace.

Depending on the teen's age, goals, preferences, and circumstances, counselling may focus on building coping skills, understanding emotional responses, improving communication with family or peers, or working through specific stressors. The therapist and client create a plan together, and that plan can shift as needs change.

There are a few things adolescent counselling is not. It is not a diagnostic service, a legal process, or crisis intervention. It is not a replacement for emergency care. The pace of therapy is set by the client, not the therapist. This service focuses on counselling. Psychological assessments are a separate service offered through the clinic.

What is shared in counselling is confidential within legal and ethical limits, which are explained in detail in the confidentiality section below.

Signs That Mental Health Concerns May Be Affecting Your Teen

Adolescents do not always have the language to describe what they are going through. Sometimes the signs show up in behaviour, mood, relationships, or physical well-being before anyone names them as a mental health concern. You may notice patterns such as:

• Withdrawing from friends, family activities, or things they used to enjoy
• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts that feel out of proportion
• Difficulty concentrating or a noticeable drop in school performance
• Changes in sleep patterns, whether sleeping much more or much less than usual
• Persistent worry, nervousness, or a sense of dread that does not seem to ease
• Low mood or sadness that lingers for weeks rather than days
• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches without a clear medical cause
• Avoiding school, social situations, or activities that involve being around others
• Expressing hopelessness, low self-worth, or feeling like a burden

Having some of these experiences does not mean something is permanently wrong. Many of these patterns are common reactions to stress, developmental changes, or difficult circumstances. They can also be signals that a young person could benefit from structured support. Counselling can help an adolescent develop language for what they are experiencing and build skills to respond to it differently.

How Treatment Works Here

• Find your therapist. Use the Match with a Therapist tool to find a clinician who fits your teen's needs and preferences. You can also browse therapist profiles or call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for guidance.
• Book your first session. The first appointment is a chance to get oriented. The therapist will discuss confidentiality, consent, and how caregiver involvement may work. Together, you will begin to identify goals and priorities. This session is about understanding what the adolescent is experiencing, not about having all the answers.
• Build your plan together. Based on the first session, the therapist and client co-create a therapeutic plan. This plan reflects the adolescent's goals, preferences, and circumstances. It is a living document that evolves as the work progresses.
• Ongoing sessions. Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and last 50 minutes each. Sessions may be held in person at one of the Edmonton or St. Albert locations, or virtually for clients anywhere in Alberta. Frequency adjusts as needs change.
• Progress check-ins. The therapist reviews progress regularly with the client. If the current approach is not working, adjustments are made. There is no fixed number of sessions required. The client's voice matters at every stage.

Evidence and Approaches

Therapists at Wholesome Psychology draw on a range of evidence-informed approaches when working with adolescents. The choice of approach depends on the young person's specific concerns, goals, age, and preferences. Below is an overview of some approaches that may be used, along with what the research currently shows.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What it helps with: CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful patterns in thinking and behaviour that may contribute to low mood, worry, or difficulty coping.

Evidence summary: Clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2019) recommend individual CBT as a first-line psychological therapy for 12- to 18-year-olds with moderate to severe depression. The guideline is based on a systematic review of available evidence on psychological interventions for depression in children and young people.

Limitations: The NICE recommendation applies specifically to depression. Evidence strength for CBT across all adolescent mental health concerns varies, and individual responses differ. CBT may not suit every young person's learning style or developmental level.

Family Therapy

What it helps with: Family therapy addresses relational patterns, communication, and family dynamics that may be contributing to or maintaining a young person's difficulties.

Evidence summary: NICE (2019) guidelines include family therapy (attachment-based or systemic) as an alternative psychological intervention for adolescents with moderate to severe depression when individual CBT does not meet the young person's clinical needs. For children aged 5 to 11, family-based approaches are among the recommended options.

Limitations: Evidence for family therapy in adolescent mental health is strongest for depression. Its effectiveness for other presentations depends on the specific concern and family context. Not all families are ready or able to participate in family-based work.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

What it helps with: IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns that may be linked to emotional distress.

Evidence summary: NICE (2019) includes interpersonal therapy for adolescents (IPT-A) as an alternative intervention for 12- to 18-year-olds with moderate to severe depression. Group IPT is also listed as an option for mild depression in this age group.

Limitations: Evidence supporting IPT for adolescents is primarily drawn from depression research. Its applicability to other adolescent mental health concerns has less systematic review support. Availability of IPT-trained therapists may vary.

General Counselling and Psychotherapy

What it helps with: Counselling and psychotherapy provide a supportive therapeutic relationship in which adolescents can explore thoughts, feelings, and coping strategies across a broad range of concerns.

Evidence summary: Research broadly suggests that psychotherapy can have a positive impact on children and adolescents with mental health concerns (Bergman, 2018). The World Health Organization (WHO, n.d.) emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological approaches, access to mental health care, and building resilience for adolescent well-being.

Limitations: "Counselling" and "psychotherapy" are broad terms covering many approaches. Outcomes vary based on the specific concern, the therapeutic relationship, and the individual. Not all adolescents respond in the same way or at the same pace.

What Results to Expect

Recovery and progress in therapy are not linear. Some adolescents notice meaningful shifts within a few sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.

Some people find relief from just 2-3 sessions. For others, the work unfolds over several months as patterns become clearer and new skills take hold. The nature of the young person's experiences, their current circumstances, readiness, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship all influence how therapy unfolds.

No therapy guarantees outcomes. What counselling can offer is a structured space for an adolescent to be heard, to develop self-understanding, and to build practical skills. If the current approach or therapist is not the right fit, adjustments can always be made. Therapeutic fit matters, and changing therapist or approach is always an option.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What your teen shares in therapy is confidential. Psychologists at Wholesome Psychology are bound by the ethical standards of the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) and the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics. Certified Canadian Counsellors are certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), and Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Client information is protected under Alberta's Health Information Act (HIA) and Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

Confidentiality has legal and ethical limits. A therapist may be required to disclose information in the following circumstances:

• Risk of serious harm to the client or to others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child (mandatory reporting under Alberta law)
• A court order requiring disclosure

In adolescent counselling, the balance between privacy and caregiver involvement requires thoughtful discussion. How information is shared with parents or guardians depends on the adolescent's age, capacity, consent, and the specific circumstances. These boundaries are discussed at the start of care so that expectations are clear for everyone involved.

The clinician will explain these limits clearly during the first session. Clients and caregivers are welcome to ask questions before sharing anything personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my teen have to talk about what happened in detail?

No. Therapy moves at the adolescent's own pace. Some young people want to talk through specific events. Others prefer to focus on present-day patterns, coping skills, or goals for the future. The therapist will not push a teen to share more than they are ready to. There is always a choice about what to discuss and when.

Is what my teen shares kept private?

Yes, with specific limits. Counselling is confidential within legal and ethical boundaries. Therapists may need to share information if there is risk of serious harm to the client or others, if there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, or if a court order requires disclosure. How information is shared with parents or caregivers is discussed at the start of care. For more detail, see the Confidentiality and Privacy section above.

How many sessions will my teen need?

There is no fixed answer. Some adolescents benefit from a short series of sessions focused on a specific concern. Others find value in longer-term work as patterns shift and new challenges arise. The therapist reviews progress regularly and adjusts the plan with the client. The number of sessions is not predetermined.

What if the therapist is not the right fit?

Therapeutic fit is one of the most important factors in effective therapy. If your teen does not feel comfortable with their therapist, the admin team can help find a different clinician within the practice. You can also use the Match with a Therapist tool to explore other options. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can my teen access therapy online?

Yes. Virtual counselling sessions are available for adolescents in Alberta. Virtual sessions follow the same confidentiality and professional standards as in-person sessions. Some families prefer virtual sessions for convenience, while others find in-person sessions more suitable. The therapist can help determine what works best for the individual situation.

What if my teen is still in an unsafe situation?

Counselling can still be helpful for adolescents who are currently in difficult or unsafe circumstances, depending on the nature of the situation. If there is immediate risk, the priority is safety. The therapist may help the teen and family identify safety resources and next steps. If urgent help is needed, contact the Alberta Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 (24/7) or call 911.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required to book a session at Wholesome Psychology. Families can reach out directly by phone, email, or through the online booking system. If a referral has been provided by a physician, school counsellor, or other professional, the admin team can coordinate that information.

Meet Your Clinicians

Wholesome Psychology's team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Canadian Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. All psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist. Certified Canadian Counsellors are certified through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

Many clinicians on the team have training and experience working with adolescents on concerns including anxiety, low mood, school stress, family conflict, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. You can browse individual profiles on the Our Therapists page, use the Match with a Therapist tool to find a clinician suited to your teen, or call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for personalized guidance.

Children and Youth

Wholesome Psychology also offers counselling for children and younger adolescents. Therapists working with younger clients use age-appropriate approaches and adapt their methods to the child's developmental stage. When working with children and teens, clinicians often collaborate with caregivers to support the young person's environment outside of the therapy room.

Related service pages that may be helpful:

• Child and Youth Mental Health
• Mental Health in Tweens
• Teen Therapy for Youth 13 to 15 Years
• Child and Youth Anxiety
• Child and Youth Depression

Getting Started

If you are considering adolescent mental health counselling in Edmonton or St. Albert, you can take the next step in whichever way feels most comfortable:

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call: 780-904-4880
• Email: info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Learn more about Getting Started with Therapy

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Starting the conversation is enough.

References

• Bergman, H. (2018). Client feedback in psychological therapy for children and adolescents with mental health problems. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD011729. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011729.pub2
• Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Children, youth and anxiety. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.cmha.ca/brochure/children-youth-and-anxiety/
• College of Alberta Psychologists. (2023). Standards of practice. https://www.cap.ab.ca/
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Depression in children and young people: Identification and management (NICE Guideline NG134). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng134
• Statistics Canada. (2025). Rising mental health concerns among youth. https://www.statcan.gc.ca/
• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health of adolescents. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health